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Benjamin Cretois
I am a currently working as a data scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research. My work focuses primarily on developing machine learning models to analyze camera traps images and sound records.
Professional Experience
Data Scientist
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Trondheim, Norway
Current - 2021
- Using deep learning methods for image and sound classification
- Supporting researchers in their analysis using statistics and machine learning methods
Education
PhD in Spatial Data Analysis
Norwegian University of Science & Technology
Trondheim, Norway
2021 - 2018
- Finding methods to improve the use of Citizen Science data
- Managing master students’ projects
- Teaching and building websites for statistic and GIS courses at the department of Geography
M.Sc., Environment and Law
Université de Rennes I
Rennes, France
2018 - 2016
- Thesis: “The revival of wolves and other large carnivores and their impact on the livelihood of rural communities”
- Basic of database management (Microsoft Access and SQL)
B.S., Ecology and Evolution
Université de Rennes I
Rennes, France
2016 - 2013
Infantry School of Lorient
French Navy
Lorient, France
2011 - 2011
- Learning how to manage a team of soldiers
- First aid, thinking in harsh conditions
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Trondheim, Norway
2018
- Helping in the writing of a report for the EU Parliament
- Analyzing depredation data from European country
Research Assistant
Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
Trondheim, Norway
2017
- Use of text data mining and classification methods to analyze environmental legislation
Teaching Experience
During my PhD I gave courses in spatial data analysis and more quantitative methods
Quantitative methods
NTNU’s Department of Geography
Trondheim, Norway
Current - 2018
- I built a website to make all lectures and exercises open access
- Teaching the use of R programming, regression techniques & data visualization
- Master level class
GIS Tools for climate change studies
NTNU’s Department of Geography
Trondheim, Norway
Current - 2018
- TA and lectured
- Advanced GIS analysis to study climate related problems
- Master level class
Introduction to GIS & Quantitative methods
NTNU’s Department of Geography
Trondheim, Norway
Current - 2018
- TA and lectured
- Introduction to programming in R and basic statistical techniques
- Bachelor level class
Selected Scientific Communication Writing
I publish articles for a more general audience to explain complex concepts
Fitting point process models in R
Towards Data Science
N/A
2020
- Tutorial on analysing spatial patterns in R using Bayesian methods
Understanding point process models
Towards Data Science
N/A
2020
- Tutorial on analysing spatial patterns in R using Bayesian methods
The contribution of hunters to monitoring biodiversity in Europe
European Federation for Hunting and Conservation
N/A
2020
- Short description of our paper Hunters as Citizen Scientists
Can Humans and Wild Ungulates Live Together in a European Landscape?
Ecology For the Masses
N/A
2020
- Short description of our paper on the challenges and opportunities of living with wild ungulates
Inspiring optimism: note from the Conservation Optimism Summit
Ecology For the Masses
N/A
2019
- Short description of my contribution to the conference Conservation Optimism
Selected Publications
Hunters as citizen scientists: Contributions to biodiversity monitoring in Europe.
Global Ecology and Conservation
N/A
2020
- Cretois, B., Linnell, J. D., Grainger, M., Nilsen, E. B., & Rød, J. K.
- We assessed the means by which hunters contribute to biodiversity monitoring
The challenges and opportunities of coexisting with wild ungulates in the human-dominated landscapes of Europe’s Anthropocene.
Biological Conservation
N/A
2020
- Linnell, J. D., Cretois, B. (co-first authorship), Nilsen, E. B., Rolandsen, C. M., Solberg, E. J., Veiberg, V., … & Kaltenborn, B.
- We summarized and analyzed data on species distribution, ungulates-car collisions and hunting
Accounting for spatial varying sampling effort due to accessibility in Citizen Science data: A case study of moose in Norway.
Spatial Statistics
N/A
2020
- Sicacha-Parada, J., Steinsland, I., Cretois, B., & Borgelt, J.
- We attempted to correct for biases in Citizen Science data
What form of human-wildlife coexistence is mandated by legislation? A comparative analysis of international and national instruments
Biodiversity and Conservation
N/A
2019
- Cretois, B., Linnell, J. D., Kaltenborn, B. P., & Trouwborst, A.
- We used text mining and clustering algorithms
Research for AGRI Committee-The Revival of Wolves and Other Large Predators and Its Impact on Farmers and Their Livelihood in Rural Regions of Europe
Report for the European Parliament
N/A
2018
- Linnell, J. D., & Cretois, B.
- We analyzed depredation data and communicated in a simple way for policy-makers
Selected Talks
The state of uncertainty quantification and reporting in Ecology
annual meeting of the British Ecological Society
online
2020
- Simmonds. E, Peprah Adjei. K, Cretois. B, Gonzalez-Gil. R, Laverick. J, Mandeville. C, Sicacha Parada. J, Skarstein. E. S, van der Veen. B, O’Hara. B
- We reviewed how uncertainty is reported in ecological studies
Conceptual insights on what presence means
NTNU’s Department of Geography
Trondheim, Norway
2020
- Cretois, B.
- My talk about the meaning of “presence” in ecology and geography
Coexisting with large mammals in the human-dominated landscape of Europe’s Anthropocene.
4th Conference of the Nordic Society Oikos
Reykjavik, Iceland
2020
- Cretois, B.
Living with success with wild large mammals in Europe’s anthropogenic landscape
Conservation Optimism Summit
Oxford, UK
2019
- Cretois, B.